Acadiana Regional Coalition On Homelessness And Housing

Continuum of care was envisioned as a local network that plans and coordinates funding for services and housing to assist homeless individuals and families. Arch is the continuum of care for eight parishes of louisiana.

Sharehouse is operated from arch's warehouse, behind the arch offices. Members of the community are able to drop off gently used household items like beds, chairs, couches, bedding, dinnerware, toiletries, and housekeeping tools and supplies. The items are inventoried and sorted by arch staff and volunteers, and organized in a store-like presentation. Arch clients, and those of our partner agencies, who were experiencing homelessness and are now ready to be rehoused are able to receive the items that they need. Together, arch staff, volunteers, and clients transport the items to their new homes.

All other accomplishments although arch meetings have occurred as far back as the late eighties, arch began meeting on a regular basis in 1995 and submitted its first consolidated application to the department of housing and urban development in 1997 for homeless assistance. At that time, the priority areas included transitional housing and supportive services. Over time, archs priorities have reflected the current needs of acadiana, and arch prides itself on being not only a convener but a gap filler - responding to challenges as they arise.